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AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / June 25, 2025 / In 2025, your logo doesn’t represent the brand. Your face does.

Consumers scroll past polished campaigns. Investors are starting to ignore flashy decks. What is stopping the scroll? What makes people pay attention, what’s actually driving real connection and a 7-figure ROI? The answer is a real person with a genuine story.

That’s not a theory. That’s what JJ Carter, Founder of Gldn PR, a disruptive and results-driven Public Relations firm, has built his company on. And it’s exactly what he recently unpacked in an exclusive interview with Stephen Skeel and Michael Ayjian, the Emmy®-winning founders of 7 Wonders Cinema, a video agency known for crafting the kind of brand stories that don’t just sell, they stick.

The Rise of the Founder-First Brand
What 7 Wonders and GLDN PR are both seeing is this: attention is no longer earned through production value alone. It’s earned through proximity and personality. The founder is now the funnel, responsible for driving narrative, building credibility, and commanding media presence in ways traditional branding can’t replicate.

“The stories that perform best, get shared most, and actually move people to action are always led by the founder,” says Michael Ayjian. “People are drawn to purpose. They want to hear from the person behind the product.”

This idea isn’t limited to big names or bold personalities. It’s playing out across industries from luxury goods to software, e-commerce to private equity. When founders step forward, audiences listen. When they stay hidden, brands struggle to connect.

The reason?

In a saturated, skeptical market, authenticity isn’t just appreciated, it’s required. And the most authentic thing any company can offer is the story of the person who is behind it all.

Why Founder-Led Storytelling Wins
The shift toward founder-led branding isn’t just a trend, it’s a measurable advantage. A 2024 Forbes analysis of startup marketing found that founder-led marketing builds stronger brand loyalty and deeper customer trust compared to traditional campaigns.

Long-form interviews, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and founder-led campaigns are outperforming polished ads across nearly every vertical. This approach is gaining traction not just in startups, but across VC-backed companies, DTC brands, and even legacy industries.

From Cold DMs to Billionaire Backyards
Perhaps the clearest example of this strategy in action came from an unexpected moment that has since become an industry case study.

Without any introduction, JJ Carter sent a cold DM to a billionaire real estate mogul, Jarek Tadla. No warm lead. No pitch deck. Just a strong brand presence and message that communicated credibility before a word was even exchanged.

What followed was a private, one-on-one meeting in Tadla’s own backyard where conversation flowed from media to mission, and a new network began to form.

From just a single encounter:
– The 7 Wonders founders were invited to appear on Tadla’s podcast
– Neelish Alwani of Timepiece Trading joined as a guest shortly after
– And just weeks later, Tadla appeared on “School of Hard Knocks” with James Dumoulin, a viral media platform amassing millions of views

All from one cold DM.

No paid sponsorships. No PR spend. Just personal authority leveraged at the right moment.

Why It Worked
This wasn’t luck. It was architecture.

In a media environment where attention is currency, Carter understood one thing: people don’t just respond to strategy. They respond to a story. That DM didn’t work because it was perfectly crafted. It worked because the personal brand behind it carried real weight. The credibility was already there. The trust was already built before the first message was ever sent.

The downstream results weren’t a fluke either. Tadla’s feature on School of Hard Knocks went on to reach millions of views across social media, generating buzz not only for his story but for the ecosystem of founders, creators, and brands that surrounded it. Visibility, relationships, and virality. All driven by proximity to one founder’s personal platform.

The New Playbook for 2025
What Carter and 7 Wonders are showing the industry isn’t a gimmick. It’s a shift.

In 2025, your founder story isn’t a side asset, it’s your engine to grow. Consumers want to buy from people they understand. Investors want to back people they believe in. And the media wants to amplify people who stand for something.

The brands getting outsized returns today aren’t always the ones with the biggest budgets, they’re the ones with the boldest people.

And while founder-led storytelling might sound like a buzzword, the results speak volumes:

– Higher engagement across content formats
– More inbound opportunities
– Faster & warmer trust from customers, partners, and talent
– And in some cases, access that money simply can’t buy

Final Thoughts
Whether you’re leading a billion-dollar company or building your first brand from scratch, the truth is the same:

“Your logo might represent your company. But your face is what makes people believe in it.” – Stephen Skeel with 7 Wonders.

The era of faceless marketing is over. The era of founder-led brands is here.

And for those willing to step forward, show up, and share the story behind the business?

The room is already waiting for you.

JJ Carter
jj@gldnagency.com
737 747-7625
Austin, Texas

SOURCE: JJ Carter

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• All matters presented for shareholder approval were overwhelmingly approved

TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / June 25, 2025 / Cerrado Gold Inc. (TSXV:CERT)(OTCQX:CRDOF) (“Cerrado” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that at its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (“Meeting”) held earlier today all matters presented to shareholders were overwhelmingly approved. Details of the voting results are set out below.

Meeting Voting Results

A total of 30,873,502 common shares were voted at the Meeting, representing 23.26% of the votes attached to all outstanding common shares of the Company. All matters presented for shareholder approval at the Meeting were duly authorized and approved as follows.

Election of Directors

The shareholders elected each of the nominees listed in the Company’s Management Proxy Circular. Details of the voting results are as follows:

Name	Votes For	%	Votes Withheld	%
Mark Brennan	23,263,662	98.874	264,857	1.126
Maria Virginia Anzola	23,249,796	98.815	278,723	1.185
Robert Campbell	23,267,162	98.889	261,357	1.111
Christopher Jones	23,263,662	98.874	264,857	1.126
Kurt Menchen	23,267,162	98.889	261,357	1.111
Rui Santos	23,267,162	98.889	261,357	1.111
Robert Sellars	23,265,496	98.882	263,023	1.118

Appointment of Auditor

McGovern Hurley LLP was appointed auditor of the Corporation and the directors of the Corporation were authorized to fix the auditor’s remuneration. Details of the voting results are as follows:

	Total Votes	% of Votes Cast
Votes in Favour	30,613,132	99.157
Votes Withheld	260,370	0.843

Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan

The resolution to approve the Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan of the Corporation was approved by disinterested shareholders. Details of the voting results are as follows:

	Total Votes	% of Votes Cast
Votes in Favour	12,238,058	96.396
Votes Against	453,229	3.570

About Cerrado

Cerrado Gold is a Toronto-based gold production, development, and exploration company. The Company is the 100% owner of the producing Minera Don Nicolás and Las Calandrias mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. In Portugal, the Company holds an 80% interest in the highly prospective Lagoa Salgada VMS project through its position in Redcorp – Empreendimentos Mineiros, Lda. In Canada, Cerrado Gold is developing its 100% owned Mont Sorcier Iron project located outside of Chibougamou, Quebec.

In Argentina, Cerrado is maximizing asset value at its Minera Don Nicolas (“MDN”) operation through continued operational optimization and is growing production through its operations at the Las Calandrias heap leach project. An extensive campaign of exploration is ongoing to further unlock potential resources in our highly prospective land package in the heart of the Deseado Masiff.

In Portugal, Cerrado is focused on the development and exploration of the highly prospective Lagoa Salgada VMS project located on the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal. The Lagoa Salgada project is a high-grade polymetallic project, demonstrating a typical mineralization endowment of zinc, copper, lead, tin, silver, and gold. Extensive exploration upside potential lies both near deposit and at prospective step-out targets across the large 7,209-hectare property concession. Located just 80km from Lisbon and surrounded by exceptional infrastructure, Lagoa Salgada offers a low-cost entry to a significant development and exploration opportunity, already showing its mineable scale and cashflow generation potential.

In Canada, Cerrado holds a 100% interest in the Mont Sorcier high purity high grade DRI Iron Ore project, which has the potential to produce a premium iron ore concentrate over a long mine life at low operating costs and low capital intensity. Furthermore, its high grade and high purity product facilitates the migration of steel producers from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces, contributing to the decarbonization of the industry and the achievement of sustainable development goals.

For more information about Cerrado please visit our website at: www.cerradogold.com.

Mark Brennan
CEO and Chairman

Mike McAllister
Vice President, Investor Relations
Tel: +1-647-805-5662
mmcallister@cerradogold.com

Disclaimer

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

SOURCE: Cerrado Gold Inc.

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VANCOUVER, BC AND BREDA, THE NETHERLANDS / ACCESS Newswire / June 25, 2025 / Organto Foods Inc. (TSX-V:OGO)(OTC PINK:OGOFF)(FSE:OGF) (“Organto” or “the Company”) today announced the results of its annual general meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”), which was held earlier today.

65,975,601 common shares representing approximately 57.9% of eligible outstanding shares were voted at the Meeting, with all matters receiving in excess of 99% support.

At the Meeting, shareholders received the financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, together with the auditor’s report thereon. In addition, Shareholders elected five directors: Steve Bromley, Peter Damouni, Peter Gianulis, Alejandro Maldonado and Joe Riz.

The shareholders also approved the appointment of Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as Organto’s independent auditor for the ensuing year, and approved the Company’s Share Option and Restricted Share Unit Plans for continuation until the Company’s next Annual General Meeting.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,

Steve Bromley
Chair and Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

For more information contact:

Investor Relations
info@organto.com
John Rathwell, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
647 629 0018

ABOUT ORGANTO

Organto is an integrated provider of branded, private label and distributed organic and non-GMO fruit and vegetable products using a strategic asset-light business model to serve a growing socially responsible and health-conscious consumer around the globe. Organto’s business model is rooted in its commitment to sustainable business practices focused on environmental responsibility and a commitment to the communities where it operates, its people and its shareholders.

SOURCE: Organto Foods, Inc.

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DENVER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / June 25, 2025 / ‘Who are you, anyway?’ is the question that opens bestselling author Niccole Hendrickson’s debut book this summer, setting the stage for a transformative and soul-searching journey where she invites women to strip away the roles, rules, and regrets that have kept them small. ST(ripped): A Story of Shedding, Shifting, Shining, and Finding Strength isn’t just a memoir, but a beacon of hope urging you to return to yourself. For every woman ready to shed what no longer serves them, shift into alignment, and shine unapologetically, this is your invitation to rise, reclaim your voice, and write the most powerful story of all: your own.

View Book Trailer Here

In her debut memoir, ST(ripped): A Story of Shedding, Shifting, Shining, and Finding Strength, Niccole unpacks the deeply personal experience of losing everything she once thought defined her, only to discover a more grounded, powerful version of herself rising from within. Niccole’s story is one beyond the superficial celebration of “triumph”, and instead uncovers the beauty that resurfaces beneath the layers of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and societal pressure. When you strip down to only your essence, your true beauty emerges.

“From a young age, I was inspired by those who paved their path…those who chose passion, truth, and unwavering belief in their higher calling,” says Hendrickson. “This book is for the young girls and driven women who know their magic lies within, who are committed to turning inward, shedding what no longer serves them, and rising fully into their power.”

ST(ripped) is more than a memoir: it’s a map created in the wake of personal loss, raw truths, and undeniable growth. Structured in three parts, Niccole takes her readers through her powerful story of shedding old identities, shifting into deeper self-awareness, and shining in her authentic strength. Part One explores Niccole’s roots and the people who shaped her foundation; Part Two journeys into the shadow – the heartbreak, confusion, and surrender that sparked profound personal growth; and Part Three reveals the rise – the alignment of passion and purpose that allows her to live boldly and fully. Throughout, Hendrickson offers readers interactive reflections to inspire their own personal exploration, showing that true strength is found not by proving oneself to the world but by returning home to one’s most authentic self.

Published on June 23rd by Landon Hail Press, ST(ripped) quickly soared to #1 bestseller status in Personal Transformation and Spirituality, Family and Personal Growth, and New Age Self-Help. Photography by Talia Kite.

In ST(ripped), Niccole, a former collegiate athlete, fitness professional, and entrepreneur, fearlessly unpacks her journey of breaking free from perfectionism and people-pleasing, taking readers through the pivotal moments that shaped her. Throughout her story, she explores deep questions of purpose, self-worth, resilience, and intuition. By candidly reflecting on her experiences and rewriting the story of who she thought she had to be, Niccole offers readers a real-life blueprint for stepping into their own power.

The three-part memoir guides readers through Niccole’s personal evolution. From unraveling long-held identities to fully embracing her truest self, her journey reveals the strength that emerges when you dare to live in alignment with your heart and values.

“Niccole consistently inspires women everywhere she goes, and this book gives you a deeper look into how to create confidence and become the person you always dreamt you could be.”

– Juli Bauer Roth, Founder of PaleOMG

Her mission is to inspire women to stand firm in their values, own their purpose, and rise unshaken, knowing that setbacks are never the end but knowing that setbacks are never the end but a stepping stone to becoming more.

“If you’ve ever been foolishly convinced that hiding your greatness behind a shield kept you safe-this book is for you,” says Samantha Joy, Editor-in-Chief at Landon Hail Press. “Niccole helps you vigorously strip away the lies you were taught about who you had to be in order to rediscover the real you. Her prose pulls you into an experience of rebirth, beautifully demonstrating the freedom that lies on the other side of self-abandonment.”

Author Niccole Hendrickson, beautifully photographed by Talia Kite.

As a former collegiate athlete, fitness professional, and entrepreneur, Niccole empowers multifaceted, driven women to channel their grit and ambition, aligning passion with purpose to create unstoppable momentum. She believes setbacks are not the end, but the proving ground, and that legacy is built by turning every challenge into unstoppable growth.

Today, she lives on a 17-acre ranch in the foothills of Colorado with her two kids, two British Labradors, and her husband. You’ll often find her lifting heavy weights, leading with heart at KALO Fitness, journaling at sunrise, building charcuterie boards at sunset, or adventuring across the globe with her family.

This summer, let ST(ripped) be the companion on your own journey of self-return. It’s time to shed. It’s time to shift. It’s time to shine.

“My hope is that ST(ripped) becomes a companion for anyone navigating the beautiful, messy, and transformative journey of resilience – a reminder that your greatest strength is found in the courageous act of becoming,” Hendrickson says.

The stunning cover image for ST(ripped): A Story of Shedding, Shifting, Shining, and Finding Strength, captured by Talia Kite

Dedicated to creating a sacred and transparent space for writers, Landon Hail Press allows authors to own the creative direction of their book and their brand. LHP books have been sold on Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, Bookshop.org, and more, and featured in major publications like People.com.

Are you an aspiring author? Book a free consultation with Landon Hail Press here.

For further information, please contact: dottie@rebeccacafiero.com

SOURCE: Landon Hail Press

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TAMPA, FL / ACCESS Newswire / June 25, 2025 / Strategos Group is proud to announce the return of former Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction and former Florida Education Commissioner Dr. Tony Bennett as Partner Emeritus. A nationally recognized leader in education reform, Bennett rejoins the firm he helped shape in its earliest days, bringing decades of experience focused on improving student outcomes.

“Tony’s return to Strategos is both unique and deeply meaningful. In the earliest chapters of our journey, Tony was a foundational force – shaping our mission to advance the American education system,” said Adam Giery, managing partner of Strategos Group. “His return marks a full-circle moment that strengthens our shared commitment to improving the lives of students across the country. Tony joins a remarkable team of former state chiefs, including Johnny Key (Arkansas, 2015-2023), Tom Luna (Idaho, 2006-2014), and Jim Horne (Florida, 2001-2004). His experience, acumen, and perspective will further our portfolio of education enterprises and solidify our position as the nation’s leading education management consultancy.”

Bennett previously served as Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction and Florida Commissioner of Education, where he led aggressive reform agendas centered on accountability, school choice, and notable student success. Most recently, he served as President of School Management at Stride Learning (K12), a publicly traded company and the nation’s largest provider of virtual K-12 education.

“I’m honored to return to Strategos and rejoin a team deeply committed to advancing the lives of students. I’ve long believed Strategos brings together the sharpest minds and the strongest convictions in the business. This work has always been personal to me – my life’s work has been to elevate outcomes and make a real difference for kids. I’m proud to stand alongside this team once again and contribute to a mission that matters,” Bennett said.

Bennett is widely recognized for leading Indiana through one of the most ambitious education reform efforts in the nation, including the launch of the country’s largest school voucher program, increased Advanced Placement participation, and significant gains on the NAEP and state assessments.

“It’s an honor to welcome Tony, who is one of the most transformative education leaders in the country, back to Strategos. He was instrumental in our early work to shape a firm grounded in integrity, innovation, and student-centered outcomes. Tony brings unmatched insight and a deep understanding of how policy and practice intersect to drive real results. His return strengthens our leadership team and reinforces our unwavering commitment to improving education systems across the country,” said Jim Horne, former Florida education commissioner and a partner at Strategos Group.

About Strategos Group
Founded in 2011, Strategos Group is a national education management consultancy providing expertise to organizations in the education sector. The firm works with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, startups, philanthropic organizations, and private equity firms, offering strategic guidance at the national, state, and local levels. Strategos has offices in Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C.

SOURCE: Strategos Group

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Client-Focused Strategist Elevated to Lead Key Dealership Partnerships

SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / June 25, 2025 / Phone Ninjas, the automotive industry’s leader in dealership-specific coaching and training, proudly announces the promotion of Hannah Mullis to Senior Account Executive. Known for her attention to detail, relationship-building skills, and hands-on approach, Hannah’s promotion reflects her significant impact on dealership performance and her growing role in international client strategy.

“Hannah has become an unbelievable partner to the dealerships she supports,” said Chris Vitale, Chief Operating Officer at Phone Ninjas. “She doesn’t just manage accounts-she makes them better. Her ability to understand what’s really happening in the showroom and offer tailored solutions is what makes her stand out and so effective.”

Since joining Phone Ninjas, Hannah has worked directly with sales, service, and BDC teams, bridging data with real-world coaching to help dealers improve appointment set and show rates, as well as overall customer interactions. In her new role, she’ll take the lead on high-profile accounts, mentor team members, and play a larger part in strategic growth initiatives.

“Our dealers are under enormous pressure,” said Hannah. “They don’t need fluff. They need results: fewer fumbled opportunities, more appointments set, more appointments show, and more sales made. That’s what we’re here for, and I’m excited to keep pushing that mission forward.”

About Phone Ninjas

Founded in 2010, Phone Ninjas helps businesses master all client-facing communications with one goal in mind: better conversations that lead to better results. Through expertly designed ongoing coaching and training programs that support the sales, service, and parts departments, Phone Ninjas helps dealers turn all client interactions into appointments that show and buy – the right way.

Related Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apsy2xOi2dc

SOURCE: Phone Ninjas

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KITON Segment Surpasses 1 Million Views as New to The Street Continues to Dominate Financial Media Across Broadcast, Digital, and Outdoor Platforms

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / June 25, 2025 / New to The Street, one of the most influential financial media platforms in the world, has broken new records with its latest wave of interviews featuring legendary fashion house KITON, financial powerhouse Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), automotive icon Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), and elite sports and education institution IMG Academy, featured through its collaboration with Merrill Lynch, a division of Bank of America (NYSE:BAC).

The segment featuring KITON has officially surpassed 1 million views, making it one of the most impactful interviews in the company’s 16-year broadcast history. These results underscore New to The Street’s expansive influence and trusted position as the go-to media outlet for premium financial storytelling.

“We’re just getting started,” said Vince Caruso, Founder and CEO of New to The Street. “This momentum confirms our platform’s power to spotlight the world’s most recognized brands while elevating emerging leaders. We expect these numbers to grow even faster as we expand into the Middle East and across Asia by year’s end.”

In addition to KITON’s viral performance, the recent Goldman Sachs and Ford interviews have driven strong national viewership, while the IMG Academy / Merrill Lynch profile continues to generate buzz among investors, educators, and sports fans globally.

Each featured interview is supported by New to The Street’s unmatched media ecosystem:

• National TV broadcasts on Bloomberg TV and FOX Business, reaching over 225 million homes weekly

• 2.85 million+ YouTube subscribers with powerful cross-promotion

• 30-day social media campaigns across LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

• Outdoor dominance with 8-story digital billboards in Times Square and across NYC’s Financial District

• Earned media coverage syndicated to ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates

With a global audience in over 40 countries, and new offices recently launched in Malaysia and Dubai, New to The Street is poised to become the #1 sponsored and earned financial media platform in the world by 2026.

About New to The Street

New to The Street is one of the longest-running U.S. and international financial media TV brands – broadcasting sponsored content since 2009. Airing weekly on Bloomberg TV and FOX Business, the program features interviews with public and private companies, institutional thought leaders, and market disruptors across a range of industries.

Media Contact:
Monica Brennan
Director of Media Relations
Monica@NewtoTheStreet.com

SOURCE: New To The Street

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

June 28 is dedicated to reviewing insurance policies, understanding and learning about coverage options, and ensuring comprehensive protection for individuals and businesses

OVERLAND PARK, KS / ACCESS Newswire / June 25, 2025 / A.D. Banker is proud to champion National Insurance Awareness Day on June 28. Dedicated to education and community engagement, A.D. Banker stresses the importance of being properly insured, encouraging individuals and businesses to review their current policies, explore different coverage types, and confirm they have the right protection in place for life’s unexpected events.

Built on a strong commitment to its core value of making purpose attainable through the right education, A.D. Banker is shining a light on the need for consumer understanding as insurance coverage remains critically low. Currently, too many individuals remain uninsured or underinsured, and don’t realize this until it’s too late. Whether it’s Life & Health, Auto, or Property & Casualty insurance, understanding and securing proper coverage is essential.

“There’s an awareness day for just about everything these days–but this one can truly mean the difference between long-term financial stability or total disaster,” says Pam Reihs, National Insurance Expert for A.D. Banker. “Read your current policies. Make an appointment with your insurance professional. Today’s risks may not be covered by yesterday’s policies. It is worth taking the time to make sure you and your family are protected from life’s ‘what ifs.’”

Beyond increasing personal awareness, this day also serves as an opportunity for insurance agents. A.D. Banker encourages professionals to help fill in this gap of knowledge with their local communities and client base, whether that is on social, in person, or through various local events. Just as valuable is the need for insurance agents to stay compliant and up to date with changing regulations so they can pass along evolving information to their clientele. This type of insider intel can significantly help agents exceed customer expectations and build lasting trust.

For those considering a career in insurance or seasoned professionals looking to expand their knowledge, A.D. Banker offers pre-licensing courses, continuing education programs, and a wealth of study tools. Check out ADBanker.com for more information.

About A.D. Banker
For over 46 years, students have turned to A.D. Banker & Company for the knowledge they need to pass insurance and FINRA licensing exams, and continue their insurance education. The high quality learning design produces outstanding results, and our knowledgeable customer care team provides friendly, responsive support to make the roads to licensing and career advancement easier. Learn more at ADBanker.com. A.D. Banker is part of the Career Certified family of educators. Learn more at CareerCertified.com.

Media Contact:

Career Certified Press
Press@CareerCertified.com
720.822.5314

Contact Information:

Liz Meitus
SVP Corporate Marketing
liz.meitus@careercertified.com
720-822-5314

Buse Kayar
busek@accessnewswire.com

SOURCE: A.D. Banker

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / June 25, 2025 / iTolerance, Inc. (“iTolerance” or the “Company”), an early-stage privately-held biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative regenerative medicines, today announced the appointment of Wayne Pines to the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Pines has served as a member of the Company’s Strategic Advisory Board since 2023.

“Wayne has been an integral part of our Strategic Advisory Board and has provided helpful insight as the Company continues to progress our pipeline forward. We are pleased to have him join the Board and believe his expertise will continue to be incredibly important for iTolerance,” said Mitchell Robbins, Chairman of the iTolerance Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to have Wayne join our Board of Directors. We believe this expansion of our Board is an excellent fit as we transition to a clinical-stage company. As stem cell-derived pancreatic islet products move closer to commercialization, iTOL-100, iTolerance’s immunomodulator, has the potential to remove the need for life-long immunosuppression for these advanced therapies in Type 1 Diabetes. Wayne’s extensive experience with the FDA will help us advance our pipeline and pursue our mission of developing transformative therapies for people living with diabetes and for doctors in search of better treatment options for patients,” commented Anthony Japour, Chief Executive Officer of iTolerance.

Mr. Pines said: “iTolerance’s platform technology using pancreatic islets continues to show promise as a potential treatment option for Type 1 Diabetes by eliminating the need for chronic systemic immunosuppression. This has the potential to be transformational to the Type 1 Diabetes community. I am honored by the opportunity to further support iTolerance as a member of the Board.”

Mr. Pines serves as Senior Director and a member of the International Advisory Council at APCO in Washington, D.C. Mr. Pines is an international consultant on issues related to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including media, legislative, regulatory and marketing challenges, and other government agencies. He advises clients on government policies, navigating products through the FDA approval process, and promotional issues.

Mr. Pines served for ten years in senior positions at the FDA, including as Chief of Consumer Education and Information, Chief of Press Relations and Associate Commissioner for Public Affairs. In 2020, he served as a Senior Advisor on COVID-19 to the FDA commissioner. He has authored or edited 16 books about the FDA, including about the product approval process, FDA’s regulation of medical communications, crisis management, and the history of the FDA. His latest book, published in 2022, is “How FDA Really Works: Insights from the Experts.” He is widely published and quoted in the media about the FDA and health care issues and policies. He also is co-host of the podcast FDAWatch (www.fdawatch.net).

Mr. Pines was a Director and former Chairman of the Board of the MedStar Health Research Institute, which oversees research at ten hospitals in the Washington-Baltimore area. He is a Founder, Director and former President of the Alliance for a Stronger FDA, a coalition seeking more appropriated funding for FDA. He was a Co-Founder of the FDA Alumni Association; a member of the Public Health Service’s first Task Force on AIDS Education; Executive Vice President of an international public relations agency; and Chairman of a health care market research firm. He also serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Regional Board of the Anti-Defamation League.

About iTolerance, Inc.

iTolerance is a regenerative medicine company developing technologies to enable tissue, organoid or cell therapy without requiring life-long immunosuppression. Leveraging its proprietary biotechnology-derived Streptavidin-FasL fusion protein/biotin-PEG microgel (SA-FasL microgel) platform technology, iTOL-100, iTolerance is advancing a pipeline of programs using both allogenic cadaveric and stem cell-derived pancreatic islets to potentially cure Type 1 diabetes. Utilizing iTOL-100 to induce local immune tolerance, the Company is developing its lead indication as a potential cure for Type 1 Diabetes without the need for life-long immunosuppression. Additionally, the Company is developing iTOL-201 for treating liver failure by utilizing hepatocytes and iTOL-401 as a nanoparticle formulation for large organ transplants without the need for life-long immunosuppression. For more information, please visit itolerance.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe-harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as “anticipate”, “being”, “will”, “plan”, “may”, “continue”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements or information that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, performance or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking.

All forward-looking statements are based upon the Company’s current expectations and various assumptions. The Company believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and beliefs, but they are inherently uncertain. The Company may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. Actual results could differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation, anticipated levels of revenues, future national or regional economic and competitive conditions, and difficulties in developing the Company’s platform technology. Consequently, forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as the Company’s current plans, estimates and beliefs. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The Company does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to update, republish, or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events, except as may be required by law.

Investor Contact
Jenene Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
JTC Team, LLC
T: 908.824.0775
iTolerance@jtcir.com

Media Contact
Susan Roberts
T:202.779.0929
sr@roberts-communications.com

SOURCE: iTolerance, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire